Skip to content
Start your Chinese Learning JourneyStart Now
筅 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
筅xiǎnbamboo brushx, 12 strokes, radical ⺮
筅xiǎnbamboo brush for utensilsunknown, 12 strokes, radical ⺮
xiǎn(xian3) T3
  1. 1bamboo brush
  2. 2bamboo brush for utensils
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026

筅xiǎn(xian3)

The character 筅 (xiǎn) refers to a bamboo brush, typically used for cleaning utensils or writing. It is often associated with traditional Chinese calligraphy and art, where brushes made from bamboo are favored for their flexibility and control.

Strokes12Radical⺮
Cultural Note

In traditional Chinese culture, bamboo brushes are not just tools but symbols of artistic expression, often linked with scholars and poets who used them for calligraphy and painting.

Memory Tip

Imagine a slender bamboo stick, perfect for brushing away dust—this is your 筅 (xiǎn). The character looks like a tall, thin brush standing upright, emphasizing its purpose as a tool for delicate tasks.

Meanings of 筅

xiǎn(xian3)
1bamboo brush
2bamboo brush for utensils
Exercise 1 of 2

Listen & Choose the Meaning

Choose the correct answer:

About 筅

筅Simplified
12Strokes
⺮Radical
非语素字non-morpheme character (n-m.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank

Podcast: 筅

JasonAmy

Podcast: 筅

Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you

AI Study Notes for 筅

Usage Notes

While using 筅, it's common to encounter the mistake of confusing it with other brush-related terms. Remember that 筅 specifically refers to a bamboo brush used for cleaning or writing, not a general brush. It's more commonly used in formal contexts.

HSK Study Tips

Although 筅 is not part of the official HSK vocabulary, it connects to other words related to traditional arts and utensils. Students should focus on recognizing the character in texts about Chinese art and culture to enhance their understanding.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 筅 with 筆 (bǐ), which means a pen or general brush. Remember, 筅 specifically refers to a bamboo brush used for cleaning or writing, while 筆 is more general.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 筅

Premium — Locked

AI tone practice

Pro

Drill the tone of 筅 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.

Tone drillsInstant feedback+5 XP
See plans to unlock

Etymology of 筅

Formation Typepictophonetic
六书 ClassificationPhono-semantic (形声字)~80-90% of characters
Memory Hint

bamboo

Semantic (meaning)⺮
+
Phonetic (sound)先
Learn more about Phono-semantic (形声字) characters

Jason Etymology Detective

Case file: 筅

  1. 1The meaning half⺮ carries the sense.
  2. 2The sound half先 is there for the reading, not the meaning.
  3. 3The giveawaybamboo
  4. 4On the record aspictophonetic.

Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.

Want the full history of 筅? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.

Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.
Exercise 1 of 1

Character Formation Type

What type of character formation is 筅?

Decomposition of 筅

IDS Structure⿱⺮先
筅Full Character
=
⺮zhu2
top
先xian1
bottom
Exercise 1 of 2

Identify the Components

Which of these is a component of 筅?

How to say bamboo brush in Chinese

“bamboo brush” in Chinese is筅xiǎn

The character 筅 (xiǎn) refers to a bamboo brush, typically used for cleaning utensils or writing. It is often associated with traditional Chinese calligraphy and art, where brushes made from bamboo are favored for their flexibility and control.

When to use 筅

While using 筅, it's common to encounter the mistake of confusing it with other brush-related terms. Remember that 筅 specifically refers to a bamboo brush used for cleaning or writing, not a general brush. It's more commonly used in formal contexts.

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse 筅 with 筆 (bǐ), which means a pen or general brush. Remember, 筅 specifically refers to a bamboo brush used for cleaning or writing, while 筆 is more general.

Write 筅

筅

Practice writing 筅 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

Write correctly 3 times to earn XP

Word Family of 筅

Words Containing This Character1
筅xiǎnbamboo brush for utensils
Exercise 1 of 1

Compound Meaning

What does 筅 mean?

Frequently Asked Questions about 筅

It is used primarily for cleaning utensils or in calligraphy.

Jason Recommends

Not sure what to learn after 筅?

Jason picks three words from your level and explains why each one is worth your time next. It takes a free account so he knows what you already know.